Dog-Friendly Restaurant Patios

In December 2015, Flower Mound Town Council requested Environmental Health Services to create a variance process to allow dogs on patios at restaurants. The variance process is an established process within the Texas Food Establishment Rules which are adopted by the Town. On February 15, 2016, this variance process was submitted and approved by the Town Council. This was done at the request of citizens who wanted to be able to bring their dogs with them to dine on a patio and some restaurants that desired to provide this option.

However, this does not mean all restaurants now allow dogs on the patio. There is an application and review process which every restaurant owner or manager who wishes to participate must complete. Restaurants must also follow the adopted regulations that allow dogs on outdoor patios.

A few highlights to the ordinance:

All dogs must enter through a patio gate. They are not allowed in the restaurant itself.

The first step of the process for a restaurant owner is to fill out an application. Once the application process is completed and an initial inspection is conducted, the restaurant is approved to allow dogs on outdoor patios.

People wishing to bring their dog to their favorite patio can look for a sign on the front door stating: